The Cognitive Behavioural Therapy of an Adolescent with Sexual and Religious Obsessions: A Case Report

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is defined as thoughts, images or instincts (obsessions) causing anxiety and behavioural endeavours to reduce this anxiety. OCD can cause a serious deterioration in the family, social and academic functionality of adolescents. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is recommended as the primary form of treatment in the approach to the treatment of children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with OCD. The CBT intervention on a 17-year-old client, who has been diagnosed with OCD, has been presented in detail in this case report. Clinical interviews based on DSM-5 diagnosis criteria and the Yale-Brown Obsession Compulsion Scale for Children (CY-BOCS) directed at determining the severity of the OCD have been used in order to finalise the diagnosis of OCD. The CY-BOCS score was determined to be 25. The exposure and response prevention intervention, which is known as the principal approach of CBT for OCD, together with pharmacotherapy, were implemented for the sexual and religious obsessions, behavioural neutralisation and avoidance behaviours of the client, under the administration of the case. An improvement was seen in the sexual issues of the client as a result of the exposure and response prevention applied to his sexual obsessions. A significant fall in the obsession and compulsion symptoms and an increase in the daily functions (listening to lectures, socialising) of the client were determined. The CY-BOCS score measured at the end of the consultation sessions was 16. As a result, it has been seen that the joint use of the exposure and response prevention techniques of CBT, together with pharmacotherapy, have reduced the severity of the OCD symptoms and improved the family, social, academic and sexual functionality of the client.